Adjustable helmet chinstrap

ABSTRACT

Presently disclosed embodiments provide a safe and easy way for a child, or other wearer, to independently tighten or loosen the chinstrap on his or her helmet while it remains buckled on his or her head. Disclosed embodiments comprise a knob attached to a side of the chinstrap webbing. The knob is an adjustment mechanism used to loosen or tighten the helmet chinstrap. After the wearer, possibly a child, buckles the helmet chinstrap below his or her chin, the wearer can reach up and twist the knob to loosen or tighten the chinstrap to achieve the proper fit. In some embodiments, each knob may have a cord or the like affixed at one end to an interior assembly and affixed at another end to the chinstrap material. In operation, the chinstrap may be buckled under the chin, and then the knob may be rotated forward, the attached cord is shortened and, thus, the chinstrap may be tightened. In some embodiments, the cording remains locked or set in position due to the operation of a ratchet, or ratchet-type assembly located in the interior of one or more of the knob assemblies where the cording winds. Similarly, when the wearer twists the one or more of the knobs in the opposite direction, the cording lengthens and, thus, loosens the chinstrap until the proper fit is achieved. Again, the cording remains locked or set in position until the knob is twisted again. In this manner, disclosed embodiments allows the wearer to easily and quickly adjust the fit of the helmet as necessary and ensure a proper and safe fit.

CROSS-REFENENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application, under 35 U.S.C. §119, claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/133,466 filed on Mar. 16,2015, and titled “Adjustable Chinstrap For Children's Sports Helmet,”the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to fasteners for helmets. In particular, thisdisclosure relates to a fastener for a helmet chinstrap that can beeasily adjusted and, in many cases, adjusted by a child.

BACKGROUND

Helmets are a widely used and well-known piece of safety equipment andare often worn in sporting activities such as bicycling, skate boarding,skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, hockey, lacrosse, football, and thelike. Typically, these helmets include a durable outer shell, a paddingassembly within the outer shell, and a chinstrap connected to each sideof the outer shell and intended to be fastened under the wearer's chinto help hold the helmet in place. Typically, the chinstrap is fastenedin place by a buckle or other snap-fit mechanism that is part of thechinstrap. A properly adjusted chinstrap is important for a comfortablefit and to maximize the safe operation of the helmet. Typically, thechinstrap is adjusted by having the wearer slide or maneuver one or bothsides of the chinstrap through a strap-length adjustment mechanism, suchas D-rings, ladderlocks, buckles, or the like in order to achieve asnug, safe fit.

Existing adjustment mechanisms, such as the above-described, have anumber of drawbacks. For example, the wearer of the helmet is often achild, without sufficient strength, coordination, or know-how to adjustthe chinstrap properly. In addition, the adjustment mechanisms are oftenlocated at inconvenient locations and require iterative removal andreplacement of the helmet to adjust to the proper fit. Likewise, thestrap material is typically thick for strength purposes, but can bedifficult to maneuver through the adjustment mechanism due to the strapthickness.

Thus, existing adjustment systems can be cumbersome and frustrating toadjust, particularly when the wearer is a child and can lead topotentially unsafe helmet fit. For example, if a chinstrap is too tightthe skin under the chin may be accidentally pinched during bucklingwhich is not only painful, but can also negatively affect the wearer'sdesire for proper, snug fit of the chinstrap. Likewise, frequentbuckling and unbuckling of the chinstrap, and the associated tugging onthe strap, often loosens the adjustment mechanism resulting in anunsafe, too loose fit. Improper chinstrap adjustment and fit cancompromise or render useless the helmet's safety features which couldlead to serious injury to the wearer. Other drawbacks of existing helmetchinstrap adjustment systems may also exist.

In view of the above and other drawbacks with existing systems, thereexists a need for an adjustable chinstrap for helmets that can beeasily, reliably, and quickly adjusted without the need to remove thehelmet from the wearer's head or require the assistance of another. Whatis needed is an adjustment mechanism that is easily reachable andadjustable and will not compromise the safety and functionality of thehelmet.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides safe, easy ways to adjust achinstrap while it remains buckled and with the helmet still in place onthe wearer's head.

Disclosed embodiments include a helmet having a protective cover, achinstrap, and an adjustment knob connected between the protective coverand the chinstrap and wherein rotation of the adjustment knob adjuststhe position of the chinstrap.

Other disclosed embodiments include a helmet with a cord connectedbetween the chinstrap and the adjustment knob and wherein rotation ofthe adjustment knob coils or uncoils the cord and adjusts that positionof the chinstrap.

Other disclosed embodiments include a helmet with a lock mechanism toselectively hold the adjustment knob in position after rotation.

In further disclosed embodiments, the adjustment knob further comprisesa winding disk that upon rotation winds or unwinds a cord connected tothe chinstrap, a spring in connection with the winding disk to bias therotation of the winding disk in a first direction, a ratchet wheelhaving at least one arm, and an outer shell having a rim with a firstportion comprising at least one tooth shaped to engage the at least onearm of the ratchet wheel when the outer shell is in a first position,and a second portion without teeth that allows the spring to rotate thewinding disk in the first direction when the outer shell is in a secondposition. In some embodiments, the rotation of the winding disk in thefirst direction causes the cord to unwind.

In other disclosed embodiments the adjustment knob further comprises, awinding disk that upon rotation in a first direction winds a cordconnected to the chinstrap and upon rotation in a second directionunwinds the cord connected to the chinstrap, a ratchet wheel comprisingat least one first arm at a first location on the ratchet wheel and atleast one second arm at a second location on the ratchet wheel, and anouter shell having at least one first tooth at a first location on theouter shell and shaped to engage the at least one first arm on theratchet wheel when the outer shell is rotated in the first direction andat least one second tooth at a second location on the outer shell andshaped to engage the at least one second arm on the ratchet wheel whenthe outer shell is rotated in the second direction.

In some embodiments, the rotation of the winding disk in the firstdirection causes the cord to unwind and rotation of the winding disk inthe second direction causes the cord to wind.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of a bicycle helmetembodiment in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top-isometric, exploded view of an adjustment knob assemblyin accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a bottom-isometric, exploded view of an adjustment knobassembly in accordance with the disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5D are various views of an adjustment knob assembly inaccordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a top-isometric, exploded view of an adjustment knob assemblyin accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a bottom-isometric, exploded view of an adjustment knobassembly in accordance with the disclosure.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However,it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to belimited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within thespirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Presently disclosed embodiments provide a safe and easy way for a child,or other wearer, to independently tighten or loosen the chinstrap on hisor her helmet while it remains buckled on his or her head. Disclosedembodiments comprise a small, twistable knob attached to each side ofthe chinstrap webbing right below each ear. The knobs comprise theadjustment mechanism used to loosen or tighten the helmet chinstrap.After the wearer, possibly a child, buckles the helmet chinstrap belowhis or her chin, the wearer can reach up and twist one or both knobs toloosen or tighten the chinstrap to achieve the proper fit. In someembodiments, each knob may have a cord or the like affixed at one end toan interior assembly and affixed at another end to the chinstrapmaterial. For example, in embodiments where the chinstrap is webbingmaterial, the cord may be fused between two layers of the webbingmaterial. The other ends of the chinstrap may respectively be attachedto the buckle or other snap fit assembly. In operation, the chinstrapmay be buckled under the chin, and then one or more of the knobs may berotated forward, the attached cord is shortened and, thus, the chinstrapmay be tightened. In some embodiments, the cording remains locked or setin position due to the operation of a ratchet, or ratchet-type assemblylocated in the interior of one or more of the knob assemblies where thecording winds. Similarly, when the wearer twists the one or more of theknobs in the opposite direction, the cording lengthens and, thus,loosens the chinstrap until the proper fit is achieved. Again, thecording remains locked or set in position until the knob is twistedagain. In this manner, disclosed embodiments allows the wearer to easilyand quickly adjust the fit of the helmet as necessary and ensure aproper and safe fit.

In some embodiments, such as the one shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there isprovided a helmet 10 which may comprise a protective cover 12, a paddingassembly 14, a chinstrap 16, and head-size adjustment assembly 18. Whilethe helmet 10 shown in FIGS. 1-2 is generally shaped as a bicyclehelmet, the disclosure is not so limited, and the principles disclosedherein may be applied to other helmets 10, such as football helmets,hockey helmets, lacrosse helmets, skating helmets, rock climbinghelmets, hardhats, or the like. Of course, the configuration of thevarious component parts (e.g., protective cover 12, padding assembly 14,chinstrap 16, head-size adjustment assembly 18, etc.) may vary, or somecomponents may not be present, depending upon the type of helmet andintended application of the same.

As also shown in FIGS. 1-2, some embodiments may comprise a snap-fitconnector 20 or other buckle mechanism to connect the two pieces ofchinstrap 16 together. While a snap-fit connector 20 is illustrated inFIGS. 1-2, the disclosure is not so limited and other chinstrap 16connectors may be used. For example, D-ring closures, buckles, or thelike, may also be used in place of snap-fit connector 20. In addition,some embodiments may exclude the snap-fit connector 20 entirely and usea single piece chinstrap 20. Other configurations (e.g., multiplestraps) are also possible.

As also shown in FIGS. 1-2, some embodiments may comprise adjustmentknobs 22 on at least one side of the helmet 10. Other locations for theadjustment knob are also possible. For example, one or more adjustmentknobs 22 may be placed on the front, top, or back of helmet 10. Otherconfigurations are also possible.

As also shown in FIGS. 1-2, some embodiments may comprise a cord 24.Cord 24 may comprise any material suitable for coiling via motion ofadjustment knob 22. For example, cord 24 may comprise, wire, wire-likematerial, nylon cording, other synthetic or plastic material(polyesters, polyurethanes, polymers, etc.), natural fiber materials(cotton, hemp, linen, silk), rubber, rubber-like material, composites,combinations of the foregoing, or the like. In general, cord 24 ispreferably of a size and flexibility that allow cord 24 to be coiled anduncoiled through the action of adjustment knob 22 thereby tightening orloosening the chinstrap 16 as disclosed herein.

As disclosed herein, for some embodiments, one end of cord 24 may engagea spool, axel, pulley or the like within adjustment knob 22 assembly. Insome embodiments, motion of the adjustment knob 22 in one directioncoils, or otherwise shortens, the cord 24 thereby tightening thechinstrap 16 and motion of the adjustment knob 22 in the oppositedirection uncoils, or otherwise lengthens, the cord 24 thereby looseningthe chinstrap 16. Disclosed embodiments also include stop or lockablemechanisms in the adjustment knob 22 assembly to hold the chinstrap 16in the desired position. Likewise, in other embodiments, it may beconvenient to have cord 24 attached to helmet 10 and chinstrap 16attached to the adjustment knob 22 then the coiling and uncoiling ofcord 24 caused the adjustment knob 22 to travel closer or farther fromthe helmet 10 and thereby tighten or loosen the chinstrap 16.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are top and bottom exploded views of components ofadjustment knob 22 assemblies in accordance with some disclosedembodiments. As shown embodiments of adjustment knob 22 may comprise anumber of constituent parts. For example, adjustment knob 22 maycomprise an inner shell 220 having a central axel 224 and a cord 24aperture 222. In some embodiments cord 24 passes through aperture 222and attaches to chinstrap 16 as described herein. Winding disk 226 maynest inside inner shell 222 and may comprise an inner spool 228 havinggearing or inner teeth 230, a spring stop 232, a spring anchor slot 233,and an aperture 234. In some embodiments, a spring 236, such as a coilspring or the like, may have one end engaged in spring anchor slot 233and the other end adjacent spring stop 232. In this manner twisting ortorsional movement of adjustment knob 22 causes spring 236 to compressor expand as winding disk 226 moves. In some embodiments aperture 234may be used to anchor one end of chord 24. Anchoring of chord 24 may beaccomplished in any suitable manner, such as by a knot in the end ofchord 24 to prevent passage through aperture 234, by gluing, by setscrew, or the like.

Embodiments of adjustment knob 22 may also comprise ratchet wheel 238.Ratchet wheel 238 may further comprise one or more arms 240 spacedaround the circumference of ratchet wheel 238. Ratchet wheel 238 mayalso comprise a nub 239 on an inner circumference of ratchet wheel 238and sized and shaped to engage spring stop 232 and thereby impart thetorsional motion of ratchet wheel 238 to the winding disk 226. Whilespring stop 232 and nub 239 are shown as generally rectangular in shape,the disclosure is not so limited and other shapes, sizes, andconfigurations are possible.

Embodiments of adjustment knob 22 may also comprise an outer shell 242having one or more teeth 244 on an inner circumference. As indicated inFIG. 4, in some embodiments, teeth 244 may only extend for a portion ofthe rim 245 on outer shell 242. Outer shell 242 may also comprise anouter spool 247 having outer teeth 246.

In some embodiments, outer shell 242 is sized to fit over inner shell220 in order to enclose the above-described components into a unit thatcomprises the adjustment knob 22 or cooperates with adjustment knob 22to adjust the chinstrap 16 as disclosed herein. For example, embodimentsof outer shell 242 may comprise knurling or grooves on rim 245 topresent a graspable surface which a wearer may grip and turn theadjustment knob 22. In other embodiments outer shell 242 may furthercomprise a surface 248 which mates with, is connected or adhered to, orotherwise cooperates with a cover or the like (e.g., as shown in FIGS.1-2) to function as adjustment knob 22. Other configurations are alsopossible.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrated the assembly of the adjustment knob 22 inaccordance with some disclosed embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 5Ainner shell 220 holds winding disk 226 on central axel 224. Asillustrated in FIG. 5B spring 236 may then be mounted on winding disk226 by inserting one end into spring anchor slot 233 and placing theother end of the spring 236 adjacent to spring stop 232. As illustratedin FIG. 5C ratchet wheel 238 fits over winding disk 226 and may besubstantially the same diameter as inner shell 220. In some embodimentsnub 239 may also have a spring anchor 249, such as a slot or groove, inwhich an end of spring 236 may fit. As illustrated in FIG. 5D outershell 242 fits over inner shell 220 and ratchet wheel 238 covering themwith rim 245. Rim 245 may be of such a depth that inner shell 220 andratchet wheel 238 may move axially in and out (up and down in FIG. 5D)within outer shell 242. This axial motion enables arms 240 toselectively engage teeth 244 and, when in contact, hold the adjustmentknob 22 in position.

In operation of some embodiments a wearer may push in (axially) on theouter shell 242 (either directly or via adjustment knob 22) causingouter teeth 246 to engage inner teeth 230. The wearer may then rotatethe outer shell (again, either directly or via adjustment knob 22) andcause rotation of the outer shell 242 with respect to the inner shell220. Ratchet arms 240 are shaped to slip over teeth 244 in one directionof rotation (e.g., clockwise in FIG. 5C) and engage the teeth 244 in theother (e.g., counter-clockwise in FIG. 5C). In this manner the action ofspring 236, arms 240, and teeth 244 keep the adjustment knob 22 fromrotating once a desired position for the chinstrap 16 is achieved.

In some embodiments the adjustment knob 22 and chinstrap 16 may bereleased by pulling axially outward on the outer shell 242 which, forexample, moves arms 240 into the portion of rim 245 that lacks teeth 244(see, e.g., FIG. 4 or FIG. 5D) then the action of the spring 236 willrotate the winding disk 226, unspool chord 24 and loosen chinstrap 16.

FIGS. 6-7 illustrate, respectively, a top and bottom, isometric,exploded view in accordance with disclosed embodiments of the adjustmentknob 22. As shown in FIGS. 6-7, some embodiments of the adjustment knob22 may ratchet in either direction of rotation (e.g., clockwise andcounter-clockwise) and, thus, hold the cord 24 and chinstrap 16 in placein either direction of rotation. Among other things, such embodimentsreduce the need for a biasing spring to drive the winding disk (e.g.,226 or 626) in the opposite direction.

As shown in FIGS. 6-7, and similarly to the embodiments shown in FIGS.3-5, the adjustment knob 22 may comprise an inner shell 620 having acentral axel 624 and an aperture 622. Inner shell may also comprise aladderlock, D-ring, or other attachment mechanism 652 to connect theadjustment knob 22 to the helmet 10 or to chinstrap 16. As with theabove embodiments aperture 622 may be used to allow cord 24 to enterinto adjustment knob 22. Embodiments also comprise a winding disk 626having another aperture 634 through which cord 24 may be anchored.Winding disk 626 may also comprise inner teeth 630. Embodiments alsocomprise a ratchet wheel 638 with a clockwise-engaging set of arms 640 aand a counter-clockwise-engaging set of arms 640 b. Pins 650, feet,nubs, or other engagement mechanism may mate with reciprocal portions ininner shell 620 in order to hold ratchet wheel 638 in place duringmotion of the winding disk 626. Embodiments also include an outer shell642 having a rim 645 that substantially covers the ratchet wheel 638,and winding disk 626. Outer shell also comprises outer teeth 646 shapedto engage with inner teeth 630. In some embodiments, outer shell may befastened to central axel 624 via a washer 648 or other bearing, and ascrew, rivet, pin, or the like.

As also shown in FIG. 7, outer shell 642 may comprise two rows ofoppositely oriented teeth 644 a and 644 b shaped to engage respectivelywith arms 640 a and 640 b. Some embodiments may include a gap or spacein between teeth 644 a and 644 b. In operation, the wearer may press theouter shell 642 (or a knob 22 mounted thereupon) axially inward so that,for example, clockwise-engaging arms 640 a to engage teeth 644 a whilecounter-clockwise-engaging arms 640 b move to the gap or space inbetween rows 644 a and 644 b and consequently do not engage teeth 644 b.The wearer can then tighten the chinstrap 16 by turning the adjustmentknob 22 clockwise, coiling cord 24, and the arms 640 a and teeth 644 bcooperate to hold it at the desired place. When the wearer wishes toloosen the chinstrap 16, knob 22 may be pulled axially outward causingarms 640 b to engage teeth 644 b while arms 640 a move into the gap orspace and no longer engage teeth 644 a and counter-clockwise motion ofwinding disk 626 causes the cord 24 to unwind and loosen the chinstrap16. Of course, the direction of tightening and loosening is merelyexemplary and could be reversed.

Although various embodiments have been shown and described, the presentdisclosure is not so limited and will be understood to include all suchmodifications and variations are would be apparent to one skilled in theart.

What is claimed is:
 1. A helmet comprising: a protective cover; achinstrap; and an adjustment knob connected between the protective coverand the chinstrap and wherein rotation of the adjustment knob adjuststhe position of the chinstrap.
 2. The helmet of claim 1 furthercomprising: a cord connected between the chinstrap and the adjustmentknob and wherein rotation of the adjustment knob coils or uncoils thecord and adjusts that position of the chinstrap.
 3. The helmet of claim1 further comprising: a lock mechanism to selectively hold theadjustment knob in position after rotation.
 4. The helmet of claim 3wherein the adjustment knob further comprises: a winding disk that uponrotation winds or unwinds a cord connected to the chinstrap; a spring inconnection with the winding disk to bias the rotation of the windingdisk in a first direction; a ratchet wheel having at least one arm; andan outer shell having a rim with a first portion comprising at least onetooth shaped to engage the at least one arm of the ratchet wheel whenthe outer shell is in a first position, and a second portion withoutteeth that allows the spring to rotate the winding disk in the firstdirection when the outer shell is in a second position.
 5. The helmet ofclaim 4 wherein the rotation of the winding disk in the first directioncauses the cord to unwind.
 6. The helmet of claim 3 wherein theadjustment knob further comprises: a winding disk that upon rotation ina first direction winds a cord connected to the chinstrap and uponrotation in a second direction unwinds the cord connected to thechinstrap; a ratchet wheel comprising at least one first arm at a firstlocation on the ratchet wheel and at least one second arm at a secondlocation on the ratchet wheel; and an outer shell having at least onefirst tooth at a first location on the outer shell and shaped to engagethe at least one first arm on the ratchet wheel when the outer shell isrotated in the first direction and at least one second tooth at a secondlocation on the outer shell and shaped to engage the at least one secondarm on the ratchet wheel when the outer shell is rotated in the seconddirection.
 7. The helmet of claim 6 wherein the rotation of the windingdisk in the first direction causes the cord to unwind and rotation ofthe winding disk in the second direction causes the cord to wind.